A hallmark and first of its kind, The Journal of Negro Education (JNE) was conceived to be a haven for scholars and researchers producing scholarship related to the education of Black people. The following article illuminates a deeper historical context of the founding of The Journal, focusing on the institutional context of Howard University in which The Journal of Negro Education emerged in the early 20th century. The author provides evidence from primary and secondary documents which suggests that the invaluable support of influential actors like Mordecai W. Johnson, Charles H. Thompson, the Howard University faculty, and the first editorial board of The Journal, led to the publication of the first issues of JNE.